Surely the Lao people migrated to the present Lao territory before the 1300s. However, modern Lao history begins with the reign of Chao Fa Ngoium in 1353. This is a pivotal period in Lao history because the Lan Xang Kingdom was established during Chao Fa Ngoum's reign.

LAO'S DATE LINE

1353-1371

The reign of Chao Fa Ngoum the Great.

Lao territory extends to today's northern & eastern Thailand.

Indo-Khmer civilization extended to upper Meking delta

Theravada Buddhism introduced into Lao through missionaries from the Angor Empire

1373-1416

Chao Fa Ngoum was succeeded by his son OUN HEUAN (reign name Phaya Sam Sen Thai).

1479

Vietnam invaded Lao.

Reorganization of Lan Xang

Fortified defense

1520-1548

Phothisarath acceded to the throne.

The 200 years wars against Burma & Ayuthaya

Waged three wars against Ayuthaya

Acquired Chiang Mai and enthroned Setthathirath in Chiang Mai

Lan Xang acquired maximum territorial expansion

1548-1571

Setthathirath returned to rule Lan Xang as Setthathirath I after Phothisarath's death.

Loss Chiang Mai to Burma

Burmese invasion in 1565 & 1570

1574

THE LOST PERIOD

Burma seized Vieng Chan.

Lan Xang collapsed.

Anarchy ensued

1637

THE GOLDEN AGE

Soulinga Vongsa acceeded to the throne.

Restoration of order

Frontier demarcation with Vietnam and Siam by treaties

Two military expeditions against Xiang Khuang & Southern Principality (Champasack?)